Tigers, Fast Cars and Cupid

As we all know, February 14th marks the beginning of the Year of the Tiger. And oh yeah, that other holiday. (you pick, Daytona 500 or Valentine’s Day) Not sure how to celebrate? I’ve taken out the guesswork for you and prepared a simple Chinese menu along with a soundtrack of tunes to set the mood. Get your beloved involved in the cooking and let the sparks fly!

Appetizer - Pork Dumplings - get takeout and save yourself some time!

Main Dish - Spicy Orange Beef (oranges represent good health and long life)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound round steak, cut into thin strips on the diagonal
• 1/4 cup orange peel, cut into slivers
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sherry
• 1/4 cup orange marmalade
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Directions
1. In a wok or skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add beef strips 1/3 at a time. Stir-fry for 3 minutes or until browned, removing the done pieces to a plate lined with paper towels.
2. Return all the beef to the wok. Stir in orange peel, garlic, and ginger; stir-fry 1 minute.
3. In a medium bowl, combine cornstarch, broth, soy sauce, sherry, marmalade, and red pepper. Pour this mixture into the beef, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for 1 minute. Serve hot. Serves 4
4. Serve noodles (uncut – they represent longevity)

Cocktail - Golden Champagne Cocktail

• 3 parts sparkling wine
• 2 parts tangerine juice
• 1 splash grenadine

Pour sparkling wine into a champagne flute, and then add tangerine juice. Top with grenadine. Enjoy!

Dessert – Almond Cookies, Sorbet

February 14th Playlist

“Fool in the Rain” – Led Zeppelin
“She” – Elvis Costello
“Wild Horses” – U2
“Say Goodbye” – Dave Matthews
“Angels” – Robbie Williams
“Wonderwall” – Noel Gallagher (live version)
“Air that I Breathe” – Simply Red
“Heat of the Moment” – Asia (live acoustic version - amazing)
“Diamonds and Pearls” – Prince
“Steamroller Blues” – James Taylor
“Save Room” – John Legend
“Bubbly” – Colbie Caillat
“Collide” – Howie Day
"Someone Like You" - Van Morrison
"I Belong to You" - Lenny Kravitz